With good ingredients, it can turn into something pure, even (yes) manly. At any time of the day — and a few bottles to go with.

Breakfast: The Bloody Mary

Breakfast: The Bloody Mary

Iconic and indispensable, the Bloody Mary is good any damn time, frankly. But it's truly best as hair of the dog. The beauty of the Bloody is its flexibility. Add Clamato juice, garnish with shrimp, celery, or pickles, and crack pepper over the top. Should you ever pass by the Connaught Hotel in London, find the dashing Agostino Perrone behind his breathtaking bar and be prepared to drink the best Bloody Mary in the world, rolled long and garnished with celery foam. Until then, settle for the old-fashioned version at home.

Roll all ingredients back and forth with ice between mixing glasses. Strain into a Collins glass over ice and garnish as desired. I like a stalk of celery alongside a lemon and a lime wedge, and cracked black pepper and a salted rim.

Lunch: The Moscow Mule

Lunch: The Moscow Mule

One shouldn't leave lunch reeling, but a refreshing cocktail is always acceptable. Now a classic, the Moscow Mule was created in 1946 by John Martin, an executive of the company that distributed Smirnoff, and Jack Morgan, owner of the Hollywood restaurant Cock 'n' Bull. It remains afternoon-appropriate and not too shabby alongside a dozen oysters.

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 3/4 ounce lime juice
• 4 ounces ginger beer

Add vodka and lime juice to a rocks glass (or metal mule cup if you're fancy), then add ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.